Live auctions typically are a great way to raise money, but a surprise stop at SpringBrook Assisted Living in Onalaska featured an auction simply as a way for the more than 50 residents to have fun.

In a first for the Tailgate Tour, players and Mark Murphy participated by signing Packers items as a way to increase the bids. There was a question in players’ minds, though: were they using real money?

“At first I was thinking, ‘Wait a minute. These people shouldn’t be spending this kind of money on an auction,’ ” said Andrew Quarless.

Soon he and the others saw that it was strictly an in-house, SpringBrook currency.

“Then I knew it was OK,” said Bill Schroeder with a laugh.

Jerry Kramer and Dave Robinson took turns with the microphone, each trying to have his autographed item raise the highest price.

The stop at SpringBrook followed a tasty lunch at Features Sports Bar & Grill in Holmen and a quick pit stop to a nearby Festival Foods where Gilbert Brown and Casey Hayward picked up a few provisions and briefly mingled with shoppers and staff.